Towards a Safer World network of pandemic preparedness practitioners: Taking stock of achievements - Charting future directions

The Towards a Safer World (TASW) initiative was launched after the last UNISDR Global Platform for DRR in 2011. It started with a ‘whole-of-society’ pandemic preparedness efforts since 2005 and identification of key achievements and lessons and network of practitioners committed to sharing experiences, refining their practices, communicating them widely, mainstreaming within their institutions, and reaching out to others.

Professionals working on animal, human and ecosystem health seek to better predict, contain and manage disease threats so as to prevent or mitigate outbreaks and pandemics. They count on the support of pandemic preparedness capacity across all of society: hence the continuing relevance of the TASW network.

It is also essential to ensure the incorporation of pandemics and other health threats in a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.

The TASW session in the 2013 Global Platform will be an opportunity to:

(a) Take stock of achievements so far and their application to all emerging threats to health
(b) Consider how to strengthen and sustain commitment among members of the network
(c) Discuss ways to ensure the incorporation of pandemics and other health threats in a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.
(d) Discuss tools for planning and coordination, means to improve communication, partnerships and multisectoral working and sustainable financing

Expected results:

1. Sharing of information, knowledge and expertise among key partners on applying whole of society and multisectoral approaches to pandemic preparedness and their application to all emerging threats to health
2. Define ways to ensure the incorporation of pandemics and other health threats in a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction
3. Define ways to strengthen and sustain commitment among members of the network